Mom and Dad weren’t done yet. They trailed behind me in their car.
When they watched me walk into the university to meet my seniors and juniors, they
rushed after me, only for the security guard to stop them at the gate.
I didn’t bother turning around when they yelled, leaving them outside staring at me with those pathetic looks. No matter how bitter the winter wind got, I refused to give in. After
all, no cold could sting worse than the winter they threw me out.
I had a late–night get–together with Professor Faucher and my friends at a restaurant. It
was past 3:00 am by the time we wrapped up.
I was just flagging down a cab, figuring I’d grab a hotel room for the night, when I spotted
that same car that had been following me all day.
Dad crushed his cigarette and grinned as I stepped outside. “Done eating? Stay with your mom and me tonight. We saved the nicest room in the villa just for you.”
Mom held up a scarf, fussing as she tried to drape it over me. “Why are you dressed so lightly? You’ll catch a cold. I knitted this myself. Here, put it on.”
I brushed her off and cut straight to the point. “Quit trailing after me. I’m not coming back. You two can have Jillian as your daughter instead.”
They went completely still, their faces turning grim.
I returned to my city the day after, but Mom and Dad wouldn’t leave me alone. No matter where I went, they’d follow me around with those begging eyes and even tried to buy me
off.
Mom got me a villa in the city center, then forced the deed into my hands. She didn’t even bother to ask if I wanted it. “Sweetheart, take it. It’s how I show you I love you.”
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Dad went all out and bought me five luxury cars, then lined them up outside my workplace.
“Wanda, I was wrong. Here, take these. You can drive a different one every day.”
As for Jillian? She was so unbearable that they just dumped her in a psychiatric hospital. Nobody had a clue how long they’d keep her there.
Rumor had it that she was getting electroshock sessions every single day, which sounded like absolute torture. After trying again and again to shake Mom and Dad loose with no luck, I finally gave up trying.
As time went by, I met a really great guy named Leo Vance, and we decided to start a family together.
I didn’t invite Mom and Dad to our wedding. They wanted to come, but they didn’t have the nerve, so they just hovered around the edges watching.
After the ceremony, Mom suddenly dragged Leo aside and shoved an envelope into his hands. Her eyes were red when she mumbled, “Here’s some money for after the wedding.
Take care of Wanda from now on.”
Leo had no clue what was going on. I’d always told him I was an orphan, after all.
“Who’s this?” he asked.
“No idea. Probably some random old lady who got lost,” I answered flatly. Then, I shoved
the envelope back into Mom’s hands and walked off with Leo.
Two more years went by, and I found out I was pregnant. Leo and I had our first kid. One day, he took the baby downstairs to get some sun, pushing the stroller along.
But then, he came rushing back home, looking totally freaked out, and said, “Wanda, there’s some creep lurking around the neighborhood. They’ve been tailing me and our baby every time we step out.
“They keep claiming they’re our baby’s grandparents and begging to hold their grandson.
Chapter 8
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Then, they shoved something into my hand. When I checked, it was one of those necklaces people put on babies for good luck!”
Leo handed it to me. It was gold, with a massive pendant.
I didn’t even flinch. I picked up my mug from the table, took a slow sip, and said, “Relax. I’ve got this.”
I turned and headed downstairs. And, of course, there they were–Mom and Dad, waiting for me in the garden.
The second they spotted me, their faces lit up with hope, but I could see the tension in them, too. It wasn’t surprising since I’d been dodging them for years.
I stopped walking. My voice was icy as I said, “Sending me gifts won’t change anything. I’m never going to accept you as my parents.”
Mom waved her hands in a panic. “That’s okay! Just getting to see you is enough. We won’t push for anything else.”
Dad jumped in, sounding desperate. “Wanda, we just want you to be fine. Raising a kid must cost a fortune, right? Here, let me send another ten million dollars to your account. Use it for whatever you need!”
I rubbed my temples, completely fed up. “You two aren’t exactly spring chickens anymore. Why don’t you just stay home and relax like normal retirees?
“Do you seriously have to follow me everywhere? Just drop it already!”
“Not a chance! We’ll keep trying until you forgive us!” they said at the same time. Seriously? When was this going to stop?
I turned and bolted.
